Securement and Release Device for Webbing

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/627,595, filed on Apr. 5, 2024, which is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/130,912, filed Apr. 5, 2022, which are both incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

In order to secure certain items, for example, a stage/lighting truss, it is often preferable to use webbing which is typically made of nylon or a fabric. Webbing is usually stronger than a rope or similar item and as a result of webbing design, it can lay flat on an item while a rope (or a chain) cannot.

Webbing can be placed on/around an item manually or a ratcheting device can be used to provide an extremely tight or high tensioned securement. There are problems that can be experienced when using webbing. Depending on what the webbing is used to secure, the process does require effort and can be time consuming, especially when a single person is placing the webbing. There is also a safety issue in that if webbing is not placed on an item correctly, there could be a false sense that the item is adequately secured. This can be particularly problematic if webbing is used to secure an item that is elevated, such as a stage where secured items are directly above people performing.

A solution to these problems would be to provide a device that would facilitate the quick and comparatively easy placing on and tightening of webbing onto an item or object. Optimally, a person would be able to use a length of conventional webbing to secure an item/object in a desired or required position. A device that could provide this functionality would greatly benefit many occupations that often rely on webbing for securement. There could be a reduction in the time required to secure items, especially when there is a significant number of items, and the level of safety could also be increased. In certain scenarios, when a webbing securement device is utilized, the entire process could have any difficulty reduced or even eliminated. Also, if a device can be utilized to quickly and easily release webbing that was previously secured, the benefit would be even greater.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems for a securing and release assembly (SRA). Briefly described in architecture, a first embodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented by a first side member comprising: an outer surface; an inner surface; an upper edge; a lower edge; a front rounded corner; a rear upper angled edge; a rear lower angled edge; a slot; an upper pivot rod opening; a lower pivot rod opening; and a rear rod opening; a second side member having: an outer surface; an inner surface; a lower edge; a front vertical edge; a front rounded corner; a rear upper angled edge; a rear lower angled edge; a slot; an upper pivot rod opening; a lower pivot rod opening; and a rear rod opening; an upper jaw comprising: an upper surface; a lower surface; a front edge; a rear edge; a first side edge; a second side edge; and a pivot rod that extends from the first and second side edges and through the upper pivot rod openings; a center wedge comprising: an upper surface; a lower surface; a front edge; a rear rounded edge; a first side edge; a second side edge; and a wedge rod that extends outward from the first and second side edges and through the slots on each side edge; and a lower jaw comprising: an upper surface; a lower surface; a front edge; a rear edge; a first side edge; a second side edge; and a pivot rod that is configured to extend outward from the first and second side edges and through the lower pivot rod opening, with one end of a length of webbing inserted into the SRA from the front, below the upper jaw along the upper surface of the center wedge, the webbing continues around the rear rounded edge and then outward toward the front of the SRA between the lower surface of the center wedge and the upper surface of the lower jaw, and when the webbing is pulled, the upper and lower jaws of the center wedge pivot in a position that locks the webbing within the SRA.

Embodiments of the present disclosure can also be viewed as providing systems for a securing and release assembly. In this regard, a second embodiment of such a system, among others, can be broadly summarized by the following: a first side member comprising: a first slot; a first upper pivot rod opening; and a first lower pivot rod opening; a second side member comprising: a second slot; a second upper pivot rod opening; and a second lower pivot rod opening; an upper jaw comprising an upper pivot rod extending from a first and second side of the upper jaw and through the first and second upper pivot rod openings; a lower jaw comprising a lower pivot rod extending from a first and second side of the lower jaw and through the first and second lower pivot rod openings; and a center wedge comprising a wedge rod extending from a first and second side of the center wedge and through the first and second slot.

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a rear orthographic view showing a first design configuration of a securement and release device for webbing (SRDFW) with a length of webbing in a functional position within the SRDFW.

FIG. 2 is a rear orthographic view showing a first design configuration of the SRDFW.

FIG. 3 is a front orthographic view showing a first design configuration of the SRDFW.

FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view showing a first design configuration of the SRDFW.

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view showing a first design configuration of the SRDFW.

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view showing a first design configuration of the SRDFW.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view showing a first design configuration of the SRDFW.

FIG. 8 is a rear orthographic view showing the design configuration of the SRDFW with a cut-away section in a first side member showing a clip spring that maintains a retaining clip in a closed position over a slot.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view showing the separated elements of a first design configuration of the SRDFW.

FIG. 10 is a rear orthographic view showing a second design configuration of the SRDFW.

FIG. 11 is a front orthographic view showing a second design configuration of the SRDFW.

FIG. 12 is a rear elevational view showing a second design configuration of the SRDFW.

FIG. 13 is a front elevational view showing a second design configuration of the SRDFW.

FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view showing a second design configuration of the SRDFW.

FIG. 15 is a top plan view showing a second design configuration of the SRDFW.

FIG. 16 is an exploded view showing the separated elements of a second design configuration of the SRDFW.

FIG. 17 is a front orthographic view showing a second design configuration of the SRDFW with a length of webbing in a functional position within the SRDFW.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A securement and release device for webbing (SRDFW) that is comprised of two design configurations. Both configurations of the SRDFW allow a length of webbing to be quickly and securely attached to a structure such as a truss. The SRDFW also allows secured webbing to be easily removed. Both designs essentially function as a quick secure/release clamp into which a length of webbing is inserted and then maintained within the clamp for whatever amount of time is desired or required.

The first design configuration of the SRDFW is comprised of a first securing and release assembly having a first side member, a second side member, an upper jaw, a center wedge and a lower jaw. Pivot rods extend outward from side edges of the two jaws and the center wedge. The pivot rods from the jaws extend outward from the two side members through pivot rod openings on each side member. The center wedge pivot rod extends outward from the two side members through an angled slot in each side member. A spring-loaded retaining clip maintains the center wedge pivot rod within the slot. The pivot rods allow the two jaws and the center wedge to pivot into either an open configuration to allow a length of webbing to be inserted into/through the first assembly, and then to pivot into a position that closes and locks the webbing in place within the assembly. The two jaws and center wedge can then pivot back to the open configuration to remove the webbing from SRDFW.

The second design configuration of the SRDFW is similar to the first configuration and is comprised of a second securing and release assembly having a first side member, a second side member, an upper jaw, a center wedge, and a lower jaw. The major difference between the first configuration and the second configuration is that the center wedge pivot rod slot is horizontally configured, as opposed to angled and the second configuration does not utilize a spring-loaded retaining clip to maintain the center wedge pivot rod within the slot. Also, the center wedge pivot rod can be removable from the center wedge by sliding the pivot rod out via a pivot rod opening that extends through the center wedge from one side to the other side edge.

In order to secure webbing within the SRDFW, one end of a length of webbing is inserted into the assembly from the front, below the upper jaw and along the upper surface of the center wedge. The webbing continues around the rear edge of the center edge, with the rear edge being rounded to allow smooth movement of the webbing around the rear edge. The webbing continues outward toward the front of the assembly between the lower surface of the center edge ands the upper surface of the lower jaw. When the webbing is pulled, the upper and lower jaws, and center wedge pivot to a position that locks the webbing within the SRDFW.

In view of the above disclosure, the primary object of the invention is to provide a securement and release device for webbing that allows the quick and secure maintaining of a length of webbing that is attached onto an item or object, and to allow secured webbing to be quickly removed.

In addition to the primary object, it is also an object of the invention to provide a securement and release device for webbing that: is easy to use, can be used with various types of webbing, does not damage or interfere with the function of webbing in any way, can be set up by a single person, is durable and long-lasting, can be sold along with a length of webbing or as a stand-alone product, can increase safety when using webbing, requires no or minimal maintenance, can be used numerous times over an extended period of time, and is cost effective from a manufacturer's and consumer's point of view. These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of the preferred embodiment and the appended claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

There are many scenarios in which an object such as a stage truss must be secured in an operable or required location/position. One method of accomplishing this is by using webbing (such as nylon or fabric), which is wrapped around the object and then, either manually or assisted by a ratcheting device, tightened to hold the object in the required location/position. While the method of using webbing is effective, it can be difficult to perform and time-consuming. There is also a concern if webbing is not properly secured around an object and adequately tightened, causing safety issues.

SRDFW 10, as shown in FIGS. 1-17, provides a means by which a length of webbing can be quickly and correctly secured around an object, and released when necessary. The first design configuration of SRDFW 10, as shown in FIGS. 1-9, is comprised of the following elements: first securing and release assembly 12 comprising first side member 14, second side member 50, upper jaw 84, center wedge 104, and lower jaw 126. First side member 14 comprises outer surface 16, inner surface 18, upper edge 20, lower edge 22, front vertical edge 24, rear angled edge 26, rear vertical edge 28, curved slot 30, web attachment opening 32, retaining clip 34 that may utilize clip spring 36 and clip stop 38 to maintain retaining clip 34 in a position that closes slot 30 while also allowing retaining clip 34 to be manually placed in a position that opens slot 30 and then forces retaining clip 34 back into the closed slot position when released, upper pivot rod opening 40, and lower pivot rod opening 42.

Second side member 50 is configured parallel to first side member 14 and also has outer surface 52, inner surface 54, upper edge 56, lower edge 58, front vertical edge 60, rear angled edge 62, rear vertical edge 64, curved slot 80, web attachment opening 68, retaining clip 70 that may utilize clip spring 72 and clip stop 74 to maintain retaining clip 70 in a position that closes slot 80 while also allowing retaining clip 70 to be manually placed in a position that opens slot 80 and then forces retaining clip 70 back into the closing slot position when released, upper pivot rod opening 76, and lower pivot rod opening 78.

Upper jaw 84, as shown in FIGS. 1-5 and 7-9, is located adjacent and below upper edge 20, 56 of parallel side members 14, 50 and includes upper surface 86, lower surface 88, front edge 90, rear edge 92, first side edge 94, second side edge 96 and pivot rod 98 that extends outward from side edges 94, 96 and through respective upper pivot rod openings 40, 76 on side members 14, 50. As its name implies, pivot rod 98 facilitates the upward and downward pivoting of upper jaw 84 when upper jaw 84 is located between side members 14, 50.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, and 9, located below upper jaw 84 is center wedge 104, which comprises upper surface 106, lower surface 108, upper front edge 110, rear edge 112 that is rounded to allow webbing to easily slide about rear edge 112, first side edge 114, second side edge 116, pivot rod bore 118 extending through center wedge 104 from first side edge 114 to second side edge 116, and pivot rod 120 that is inserted through pivot rod bore 118 while also being removable. Pivot rod 120 allows center wedge 104 to pivot upward and downward when center wedge 104 is located between side members 14, 50 within assembly 12.

Lower jaw 126, as shown in FIGS. 1-6, 8, and 9, is located below center wedge 104 adjacent to lower edges 22, 58 of side members 14, 50 and comprises outer surface 128, inner surface 130, front edge 132, rear edge 134, first side edge 136, second side edge 138, and pivot rod 140 that like pivot rod 98 on upper jaw 84, extends outward from side edges 136, 138 and through respective lower pivot rod openings 42, 78 on side members 14, 50. Pivot rod 140 facilitates the upward and downward pivoting of lower jaw 126 when lower jaw 126 is located between side members 14, 50.

In order to use the first design configuration of SRDFW 10, one end of a length of webbing is inserted into assembly 12 from the front, below the upper jaw along the upper surface of the center wedge. The webbing continues around the rear rounded edge and then outward toward the front of the assembly between the lower surface of the center wedge and the upper surface of the lower jaw. When the webbing is pulled, the upper and lower jaws and the center wedge pivot into a position that locks the webbing within the assembly.

The second design configuration of SRDFW 10, as shown in FIGS. 10-17, comprises of the following elements: second securing and release assembly 150 comprising first side member 152, second side member 182, upper jaw 212, center wedge 232, and lower jaw 252. The second design configuration is structurally and functionally similar to the first design configuration with a couple of structural differences.

First side member 152, as shown in FIGS. 10-17, includes outer surface 154, inner surface 156, upper edge 158, lower edge 160, front vertical edge 162, front rounded corner 164, rear upper angled edge 166, rear lower angled edge 168, slot 170 that is horizontally configured in side member 152, upper pivot rod opening 172, lower pivot rod opening 174, and rear pivot rod opening 176.

Second side member 182, as shown in FIGS. 10-17, is configured parallel to first side member 152 and also has outer surface 184, inner surface 186, upper edge 188, lower edge 190, front vertical edge 192, front rounded corner 194, rear upper angled edge 196, rear lower angled edge 198, slot 200 that is horizontally configured in side member 182, upper pivot rod opening 202, and lower pivot rod opening 204.

Upper jaw 212, as shown in FIGS. 10-13 and 15-17, is located between parallel side members 152, 182 below upper edges 158, 188 of the side members, and has upper surface 214, lower surface 216, front edge 218, rear edge 220, first side edge 222, second side edge 224, and pivot rod 226 that extends outward from side edges 222, 224 and into respective upper pivot rod openings 172, 202 on each side member 152, 182.

Center wedge 232, as shown in FIGS. 10, 13, 16, and 17, is located below upper jaw 212 and comprises upper surface 234, lower surface 236, front edge 238, rear edge 240 that is rounded to allow webbing to easily slide about the rear edge, first side edge 242, second side edge 244, first pivot rod 246 that extends outward from first side edge 242 and through slot 170 on first side member 152, and second pivot rod 248 that extends outward from second side edge 244 and through slot 200 on second side member 182. It should be noted that pivot rods 246, 248 are integrally attached to center wedge 232 and, therefore, a single, removable pivot rod, as in the first securing and release assembly does not exist in the second securing and release assembly.

Lower jaw 252, as shown in FIGS. 10-14, 16 and 17, is located below center wedge 232 adjacent lower edges 160, 190 of side members 152, 182, and comprises upper surface 254, lower surface 256, front edge 258, rear edge 260, first side edge 262, second side edge 264, first pivot rod 266 extending outward from first side edge 262 and through lower pivot rod opening 174 on first side member 152, and second pivot rod 268 that extends outward from second side edge 264 and through lower pivot rod opening 204 on second side member 182. In order to use the second design configuration, the same steps are followed as for the first design configuration.

While embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail and pictorially shown in accompanying drawings, it is not limited to such details, since many changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments without departing from the spirit and the scope thereof. Hence, it is described to cover any and all modifications and forms which may come within the language and scope of the claims.